VONA Foundation in
Washington, D.C.

On March 24, 2026, Nadiia Yashan, Director of VONA Foundation, attended the 11th International Government Relations & Political Campaigns Forum in Washington, D.C. — one of the most prestigious international gatherings of political leaders, government relations experts, campaign strategists, and civil society representatives from more than 20 countries worldwide.

This landmark event, held annually since 2015, has grown into a premier global platform for professionals working at the intersection of public policy, advocacy, and democratic governance. Over the years, the Forum has been hosted in leading cities including Kyiv, Brussels, Istanbul, and Washington, D.C., consistently delivering invaluable insights, best practices, and strategic connections that shape the future of campaigns, advocacy, and government relations worldwide.

A Forum That Sets the Global Agenda

The 11th Forum brought together an exceptional lineup of speakers and moderators — former mayors, federal procurement officials, members of parliament, defense policy experts, international lobbyists, electoral strategists, and civil society leaders from the United States, Europe, Ukraine, Latin America, and beyond.

The day-long program featured five high-level thematic panels, a networking lunch, a book presentation, and a prestigious VIP Dinner — creating space not only for formal discussion but for meaningful relationship-building among global professionals.

Key Topics and Discussions

Panel 1: Global Trends in Political Campaigning 2026

The opening panel examined strategic shifts and innovations in electoral campaigning, exploring how artificial intelligence and digital tools are transforming elections worldwide. Speakers discussed the growing complexity of post-election transitions and the evolving expectations placed on political leaders in an era of rapid technological change.

Panel 2: Winning Elections — Tools, Technologies & Campaign Case Studies

This session offered a deep dive into data-driven campaigning across the United States, Israel, and Europe. Experts shared real-world experience in advanced voter targeting, grassroots versus digital outreach strategies, narrative building, and rapid-response communications. Case studies from Ukraine, Latin America, and EU countries illustrated how modern campaigns are won — and lost.

Panel 3: Government Relations in Action — Tools, Strategies & Real-World Cases

One of the Forum's most practically oriented sessions focused on stakeholder mapping, influence pathways, coalition building, and the ethics and transparency of lobbying. Speakers with decades of experience at the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and major corporations shared firsthand insight into how effective government relations work in practice — and what distinguishes successful advocacy from ineffective efforts.

Panel 4: Case Studies in GR Excellence

This panel presented concrete examples of successful lobbying and advocacy initiatives at the federal and state levels, including notable cases in minerals lobbying, veterans' advocacy, and cross-border policy initiatives. Speakers also addressed the unique challenges of government relations in hybrid regimes and transitional democracies — a topic of particular relevance given the ongoing geopolitical transformations across Eastern Europe and Eurasia.

Panel 5: Advocacy Without Borders — International GR Experience

The closing panel brought a truly global perspective to the conversation, examining advocacy strategies across different political systems and the mechanics of working with governments, regulators, and international organizations. Speakers shared lessons learned from public affairs campaigns spanning multiple continents, highlighting what it takes to build lasting coalitions and cross-border partnerships in an increasingly complex world.

The Nonprofit Sector and Civil Society: A Central Theme

Throughout the Forum, the role of nonprofit organizations and civil society emerged as a recurring and critical theme. In a political landscape increasingly shaped by institutional complexity, regulatory pressures, and shifting public trust, nonprofits were recognized as essential actors — not peripheral voices, but central drivers of democratic accountability, community empowerment, and policy change.

Speakers and panelists emphasized several key realities facing the nonprofit sector today:

Advocacy as a Core Nonprofit Function. Civil society organizations are no longer seen merely as service providers. They are recognized as powerful advocates capable of shaping legislation, influencing public discourse, and holding governments accountable. The Forum underscored the importance of nonprofits developing professional-grade government relations capabilities — understanding how to map stakeholders, build coalitions, and engage policymakers effectively.

Coalition Building Across Sectors. One of the most consistent messages from the Forum was the power of cross-sector alliances. Nonprofits that partner strategically with business associations, academic institutions, diaspora communities, and international organizations significantly amplify their impact. The ability to align diverse interests around a common cause was presented as a defining skill for modern civil society leaders.

Transparency and Ethics in Advocacy. As nonprofits increasingly engage in policy advocacy, questions of transparency, ethical conduct, and accountability become paramount. The Forum's discussions on lobbying ethics directly apply to civil society organizations navigating the fine line between mission-driven advocacy and political influence — offering important guidance for organizations like VONA Foundation committed to principled engagement.

Nonprofits in Conflict and Transitional Contexts. Several speakers addressed the particular challenges faced by civil society organizations operating in or alongside conflict zones, hybrid regimes, and post-conflict transitional societies. From coordinating humanitarian response to engaging international institutions on behalf of vulnerable communities, nonprofits were highlighted as indispensable bridges between affected populations and the policy decisions that shape their lives.

Digital Tools and Modern Advocacy. The Forum made clear that digital transformation is not only a challenge for political campaigns — it is equally relevant for civil society. From digital outreach and online community building to data-driven advocacy and social media monitoring, nonprofits must embrace modern tools to remain effective and visible in a crowded information environment.

VONA Foundation's Presence and Takeaways

For VONA Foundation, participation in this Forum was both an affirmation of our mission and a source of concrete inspiration for our work ahead. Nadiia Yashan engaged directly with government relations professionals, policymakers, international advocates, and civil society leaders — exchanging ideas and exploring opportunities for collaboration that align with VONA Foundation's core values and strategic priorities.

The Forum reinforced several principles that guide our work:

that effective advocacy requires not only passion but professional strategy; that civil society organizations must be present in the rooms where decisions are made; that international partnerships multiply our impact; and that the voices of communities we serve deserve representation at the highest levels of global dialogue.

Looking Ahead

VONA Foundation returns from Washington, D.C. energized and better connected. The relationships established and insights gained at the 11th International Government Relations & Political Campaigns Forum will directly inform our advocacy initiatives, partnership development, and programmatic priorities in the months ahead.

We remain committed to our mission — and to showing up, at every table, in every room, where the future is being shaped.

VONA Foundation is dedicated to empowering communities, advancing civic engagement, and advocating for meaningful social change at the local, national, and international levels.